The front garden of the VICSES Aintree Unit is set for a major transformation, with volunteers and students from Bacchus Marsh Grammar joining forces to create a community-focused outdoor space to promote resilience, creativity and connection.
The project is still in its early planning stages, but promises big ambitions from students at the Woodlea campus as they work alongside VICSES volunteers and local residents to design and build the new garden from the ground up.
After meeting with campus head Danielle Copeman, VICSES Aintree said the school is “highly enthusiastic” about the partnership, with students to begin design work in the new year.
The vision is to turn the garden into a welcoming, educational and interactive space far from its use as a simple entrance located on Fields Street.
Early concept ideas have included a neighbourhood fairy garden for children, a leave-one, take-one library to encourage sharing and reading, and dedicated areas for storm-safety messages and community education.
VICSES Aintree unit controller Alex Setterfield said the collaboration offers students a rare chance to lead a real-world community project.
“Students will be involved in site visits, mapping, concept sketches, choosing planting and even planning interactive features,” he said.
“It teaches teamwork, planning, problem-solving and resilience – values at the heart of what SES volunteers do.”
The project is planned to be entirely community and local-business funded, with VICSES volunteers contributing labour, planning and site preparation.
The unit is now seeking support from local businesses able to donate materials, plants, tools, labour or financial contributions, with advertising opportunities available for those looking to get involved.
For the unit, the partnership is about building positive connections outside of emergencies.
“We often meet people on their worst days,” Mr Setterfield said.
“A welcoming garden helps balance that by giving the community a calm, positive place where they can interact with us in a different way.”
The Aintree unit hopes the project will strengthen long-term ties with young people, schools and community groups, opening the door for future workshops and education programs.
The unit is calling on local businesses, community groups or residents who would like to contribute to reach out via aintree@ses.gov.au.
